Programmed cell death 1 protein and programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer: A systematic review
Choi, F.D.; Kraus, C.N.; Elsensohn, A.N.; Carley, S.K.; Lehmer, L.M.; Nguyen, R.T.; Linden, K.G.; Shiu, J.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 82(2): 440-459
2020
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-9622
PMID: 31163235
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.077
Accession: 069025174
Immunotherapy using programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors has been increasingly reported in a variety of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). To analyze the evidence of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of NMSC. A primary literature search was conducted with the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases through October 28, 2018, to include studies on the use of PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors in patients for NMSC. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal. This systematic review included 51 articles. The most robust evidence was in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, as supported by phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Treatment of basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous sarcoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor also showed benefit with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, but data are limited. There does not appear to be efficacy for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cutaneous lymphomas. More investigation is needed to determine the efficacy, tumor responsiveness, and the safety profile of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in NMSC. PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors exhibit treatment efficacy in a variety of NMSCs.